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Getting Started

This page covers the essential steps for connecting EVO 8, setting input levels and preparing to record.

EVO 8 top panel showing the 48 V, input, Smartgain and output controls

1. Install the EVO software​

Register EVO 8 through Audient ARC to access the latest EVO software, Windows driver and product resources.

  • macOS: EVO 8 operates without a separate audio driver. Installing the EVO application is recommended for mixer control, loopback and firmware updates.
  • Windows: Install the current EVO driver and software before connecting EVO 8.

See Software Installation and Registration for the complete registration and installation procedures.

note

EVO 8 is not officially supported for use with iOS. Audient recommends using EVO 8 with a supported macOS or Windows computer.

2. Connect EVO 8​

  1. Turn down the level of any connected speakers or headphones.
  2. Connect EVO 8 to the computer using a suitable USB data cable.
  3. Connect active speakers to outputs 1+2, or connect headphones to headphone output 1.
  4. Select EVO 8 as the input and output device in the computer’s audio settings and in the recording application.
note

Connecting headphones to headphone output 1 automatically mutes speaker outputs 1+2. Connecting headphones to headphone output 2 automatically mutes speaker outputs 3+4.

3. Connect a microphone, line-level source or instrument​

  • Connect microphones to inputs 1–4 using XLR cables.
  • Connect balanced line-level sources to inputs 1–4 using 1/4-inch TRS cables.
  • Connect a guitar, bass or other high-impedance instrument to the front-panel JFET instrument input using a 1/4-inch TS cable.

The instrument input is routed to input channel 1 and overrides the rear mic/line connection for channel 1 while a plug is inserted.

4. Enable phantom power when required​

Some microphones require 48 V phantom power.

  1. Press the numbered button for the microphone input.
  2. Press 48V.
  3. Check that the 48 V button illuminates red.
caution

Check the microphone manufacturer’s instructions before enabling phantom power. Only enable 48 V when the connected microphone requires it.

note

When EVO 8 is connected to a suitable USB-C host that can provide 1.5 A, phantom power can be used on all four channels. When connected to a USB-A host, phantom power is limited to two channels at a time.

5. Set the input gain with Smartgain​

  1. Press the green Smartgain button.
  2. Press one or more input buttons to select the channels to be analysed.
  3. Press Smartgain again.
  4. Perform the loudest part of the material you intend to record while EVO 8 analyses the signals.
  5. Wait for Smartgain to finish setting the input levels.

The Smartgain button flashes green when the process succeeds. If Smartgain does not detect a suitable signal, check the connections, source level and phantom-power setting before trying again.

Setting gain manually​

  1. Press the numbered button for the input.
  2. Turn the Control Knob to adjust the input gain.
  3. Perform at the loudest expected level and check the LED meter around the Control Knob.

6. Set the listening level​

  1. Press Output Volume button 1 to control speaker outputs 1+2 or headphone output 1.
  2. Turn the Control Knob to set the listening level.
  3. If using the second output pair, press Output Volume button 2 and adjust its level separately.

7. Prepare the recording application​

  1. Select EVO 8 as the application’s audio device.
  2. Create an audio track.
  3. Select the EVO 8 input connected to the source.
  4. Arm the track for recording.
  5. Check the input meter and begin recording.

Next steps​

Continue to Hardware and Connections for detailed connection information, Input Controls and Smartgain for recording-level controls, or Monitoring and Output Controls for speaker and headphone operation.